CBS introduces mixed martial arts programming

Even CBS's announcers knew the network's latest venture — adventure might be a better word — was going to draw criticism. Whether they expected it to come from within is another matter.

HAL HABIB

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — Even CBS's announcers knew the network's latest venture — adventure might be a better word — was going to draw criticism. Whether they expected it to come from within is another matter.

Sumner Redstone, CBS's 85-year-old chairman, sounded as if someone had slapped a rear naked choke on him when he told a business conference that his network's prime-time mixed martial arts specials, which debut tonight, didn't seem "socially responsible."

"I'm a lover, not a fighter," Redstone was quoted as telling the Milken Institute Global Conference in Los Angeles. "I don't like the sport."

Mr. Redstone, meet Mr. Slice.

Like it or not, at 9 tonight, CBS EliteXC Saturday Night Fights hits the airwaves. And who better to headline the debut than Kimbo Slice, who's either a legend-to-be (the promoters' claim) or an Internet-driven urban legend (the critics' retort)?

Before delving deeper into how Slice has become famous for being famous, thanks to a menacing look, YouTube videos and a professional career 62 seconds long, it's important not to lose sight of what tonight represents.

"The sport of the future," says Gus Johnson, who, as CBS's play-by-play man, could easily be dismissed as hyping his product if not for the fact MMA is rapidly growing worldwide, especially among younger demographics.